Setup without adapter or media mod?

[RemboUSMC]

Seriously, are there any camera setups with microphones that don't need a mic adapter or product such as the media mod? Everything seems to involve adding more weight to the helmet. Surely there must be a simpler setup. I tried an app for my Cardo to connect to the GoPro but not happy with that. Why can't we use our Cardo system? I am ready to just buy a separate recorder and go direct they sync the audio already.

 

[RemboUSMC]

So my problem today was the fact that somehow the input changed from Standard Mic, which I specifically chose and verified to Standard Mic+ which I did not. I have no clue how this changed when I took the time to verify the setting.

 

[R-Rated]

What camera are you using now?

 

[Theodor]

I believe the waterproofing is what started elimination of the 3.5mm socket from most cameras. It used to be more common. I think contour cameras had it last.
Not all cameras require big bulky adapters like newer gopros, but you still need some adapter, to connect to the usb socket.

 

[HippoDrone]

It is a big pain in the butt, but most either get used to it and work out ways to make it work for them, or do like you suggest and record audio separately. I prefer the convenience of having the audio on the video, so the adaptor was my only option (I don't use the Media Mod, too bulky and a pain in the neck to change batteries).
I think the Drift cameras are easier to sort audio, but their cameras are not the best tech and are unreliable these days. Sony are also an option, but not everyone likes the form factor.

 

[Arfa]

My Drift Ghost X just has a dinky little micro USB to 3.5 TRC jack adaptor cable, about 5-6 cm long. Not too bad, but you do have to pop open the waterproof flap on the camera to plug it in. So I wouldn't want to use it on wet days.

I was pondering the other day, I have a Bluetooth headset fitted to my helmet (just a cheap Chinese Freedconn TCOM), anyone had any joy using one of these hooked to phone to record audio? Or know any good Android dictaphone apps that'll use Bluetooth headsets? Mic probably isn't the best quality, but thought it might be worth trying as it's kit I cart around all the time anyway.

 

[HippoDrone]

could always use a standalone dictaphone (Tascam DR05 is what I have) and connect it to a RODE Wireless Go, which is a setup I used offroading once, great audio, but too much of a faff, better off just running a cable mic from the Tascam if doing that!

 

[Theodor]

I was pondering the other day, I have a Bluetooth headset fitted to my helmet (just a cheap Chinese Freedconn TCOM), anyone had any joy using one of these hooked to phone to record audio?

Basically what I used. Mine is called Buyee or something like that, but it looks exactly the same. Audio quality is far from good, but good enough for people to understand what you're saying.

 

[Drakhen99]

I tried just using the GoPro and recording my SENA to my phone using an app, but the quality was garbage. I ended up going with a Purple Panda and the Media Mod.

You sort of notice the weight, but you get used to it. Having a side mount like I do, however, means I feel the drag at higher speeds.

-John

 

[RemboUSMC]

What camera are you using now?

I have a Hero 8 and 4 Silver but don't use the 4 often.

 

[RemboUSMC]

could always use a standalone dictaphone (Tascam DR05 is what I have) and connect it to a RODE Wireless Go, which is a setup I used offroading once, great audio, but too much of a faff, better off just running a cable mic from the Tascam if doing that!

That is what I was thinking. I have professional lav systems I could use but did not want to take it to that level. I just wanted simple. I am getting somewhere, however, as I think I have it working a lot better now.

 

[RemboUSMC]

I tried just using the GoPro and recording my SENA to my phone using an app, but the quality was garbage. I ended up going with a Purple Panda and the Media Mod.

You sort of notice the weight, but you get used to it. Having a side mount like I do, however, means I feel the drag at higher speeds.

-John

Same here. Exact same thing.

 

[Drakhen99]

Same here. Exact same thing.

Yeah, I don't get it - something the SENA does is noise correction - people who call me on my phone while I'm riding generally say the quality is quite good, but when I recorded it to my phone (presumably through the same SENA processing), the output was total crap.

With a separate recorder, depending on your bike and helmet, you have a variety of places to mount the mic to get the best audio. I did a bunch of tests with my setup on my YouTube channel and started getting much better results.

When I add a noise reduction effect in post, it comes out even clearer - sometimes like I'm recording in a full-face helmet, without hours of post processing, either!

-John

 

[Theodor]

Yeah, I don't get it - something the SENA does is noise correction - people who call me on my phone while I'm riding generally say the quality is quite good, but when I recorded it to my phone (presumably through the same SENA processing), the output was total crap.

Try recording your calls, so you can compare yourself, maybe there really is a difference, for different types of output.

 

[Drakhen99]

Try recording your calls, so you can compare yourself, maybe there really is a difference, for different types of output.

That's a good point - I should've tried that! Oh well, I'm getting pretty good audio now so it's not really a concern anymore.

If someone else wants to try it and report back, by all means

-John

 

[Moto Mengy]

Threads like this make me so happy my simple open face helmet setup with just the Hero 8 internal mic works as good as it does!

I did some experimenting with a lav mic (mounted next to my mouth) plugged into my phone to record separate audio but it wasn't any better than what I'm getting with the Hero 8 mic. Still might do more experimenting though, it was fun to try out different setups.

 

[Drakhen99]

Threads like this make me so happy my simple open face helmet setup with just the Hero 8 internal mic works as good as it does!

I did some experimenting with a lav mic (mounted next to my mouth) plugged into my phone to record separate audio but it wasn't any better than what I'm getting with the Hero 8 mic. Still might do more experimenting though, it was fun to try out different setups.

Yeah, your setup is quite nice! If I ever get a 3/4 helmet, I'm going to copy your setup...

I may try some different mounting spots for my mic - under my chin worked out quite well but dug into my throat a bit ... may have to wrap the clip in gaffer's tape or something and try again.

-John

 

[YBGuy]

I know this may not be a solution for you, but I still use the GoPro Hero4 Silver with the Purple Panda. It's still a cable but its much lighter than some of the boxier adapters that must be used with the newer GoPros.

 

[GIZZ]

I know this may not be a solution for you, but I still use the GoPro Hero4 Silver with the Purple Panda. It's still a cable but its much lighter than some of the boxier adapters that must be used with the newer GoPros.

Another option for this camera is the Sena Audio Pack, you record all the audio from the communicator directly to the Gopro alongside the video. That Sena Audio Pack was designed to work with older GoPro 3/4 but I've since managed to get it to work with any action cam with an audio input. Not exactly wireless anymore but I do get to use a modern action cam with great stabilization and battery life. I did a few youtube vids on the topic.

 

[SighBored]

GoPro made it so that you must use their piece of expensive turd mic adapter, it's not about waterproofing cause there's the covers for the input ports anyway.

That HDMI port seems to be so important to have but till this day I have not met anyone that uses it.